Stapling device including tool assembly stabilizing member

ABSTRACT

A surgical stapling device includes tool assembly having a cartridge assembly, an anvil assembly, and a stabilization member that is supported on a distal portion of one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies. The cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly are coupled to each other by a pivot member such that the tool assembly is movable between open and clamped positions. The stabilizing member is movable when the tool assembly is in the clamped position from a first position disengaged with the other of the cartridge and anvil assemblies to a second position engaged with the other of the cartridge and anvil assemblies to define a predetermined tissue gap between the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Description

The present disclosure is directed to a surgical stapling device and, more particularly, to a linear surgical stapling device having a tool assembly including a stabilizing member to maintain a predetermined maximum tissue gap in the tool assembly during firing of the stapling device.

2. Background of Related Art

Surgical stapling devices are commonly used during a variety of surgical procedures to staple and/or cut tissue. Stapling and cutting of tissue can be accomplished more quickly using surgical stapling devices than can be accomplished using traditional suturing techniques. In addition, endoscopic stapling devices can be used to perform less invasive surgical procedures than possible using traditional suturing techniques. As such, surgical stapling devices as compared to traditional suturing techniques reduce patient trauma and patient recovery times and are desirable.

Typically, linear endoscopic surgical stapling devices include a tool assembly having a staple cartridge and an anvil assembly that are movable in relation to each other between open and clamped positions. The staple cartridge defines a plurality of staple pockets that receive staples and the anvil assembly defines a plurality of staple deforming pockets. When the tool assembly is in the clamped position, the staple deforming pockets of the anvil assembly are aligned with the staple pockets of the cartridge assembly such that legs of the staples are received and deformed within the staple deforming pockets when the stapling device is fired. The staple cartridge and the anvil assembly must be properly aligned to effect proper formation of the staple legs.

Generally, the staple cartridge and the anvil assembly have proximal ends that are secured to each other by a pivot member such that the staple cartridge and the anvil assembly can be pivoted from the open position in which distal ends of the staple cartridge and the anvil assembly are spaced from each other to the clamped position in which the staple cartridge and the anvil assembly are in juxtaposed alignment. During firing of the staples from the staple cartridge, forces on the staple cartridge and the anvil assembly for firing the staples tend to deflect the staple cartridge and anvil assembly outwardly from each other. This deflection increases as the distance from the pivot member increases and may result in misalignment of the staple cartridge and anvil assembly and malformation of the staples. In certain stapling devices, a knife bar is provided that includes upper and lower beams that engage the anvil and cartridge assemblies to minimize deflection of the anvil and cartridge assemblies during firing at a location of staple leg deformation. However, in certain stapling devices that do not cut tissue, outward deflection of the anvil and cartridge assemblies can be problematic and result in staple leg malformation.

A continuing need exists in the art for a linear surgical stapling device that is capable of maintaining alignment between the staple cartridge and anvil assembly during firing of the stapling device.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a stapling device including an elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and a tool assembly supported on the distal portion of the elongate body. The tool assembly has a proximal portion and a distal portion and includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly have proximal portions that are coupled together such that the tool assembly is movable between an open position and a clamped position. A stabilizing member is supported on the distal portion of the tool assembly on one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies. The stabilizing member is movable when the tool assembly is in the clamped position from a first position disengaged with the other of the cartridge and anvil assemblies to a second position engaged with the other of the cartridge and anvil assemblies to define a predetermined maximum tissue gap between the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a tool assembly having an anvil assembly, a cartridge assembly, and a stabilizing member. The anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly each have a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion of the cartridge assembly is coupled to the proximal portion of the anvil assembly such that the tool assembly is movable between an open position and a clamped position. The stabilizing member is supported on the distal portion of one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies and is movable when the tool assembly is in the clamped position from a first position disengaged with the other one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies to a second position engaged with the other one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies to define a predetermined maximum tissue gap between the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly.

In embodiments, the stabilizing member includes a cap that is movable between the first and the second positions on the one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies.

In some embodiments, the cap is supported on one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies and defines a cavity that receives the other of the cartridge and anvil assemblies when the cap is moved to the second position.

In certain embodiments, the cap defines a channel and the one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies includes an extension that is received within the channel during movement of the cap between the first and second positions.

In embodiments, the channel and the extension have dove-tail configurations.

In some embodiments, the cap includes guide members that extend into the cavity of the cap and the other one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies defines guide channels that receive the guide members as the cap is moved between the first and second positions to prevent radial movement of the cap in relation to the other one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies.

In certain embodiments, the one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies is the anvil assembly and the other one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies is the cartridge assembly.

In embodiments, the stapling device includes a handle assembly and the elongate body is supported on and extends distally from the handle assembly.

In some embodiments, the tool assembly includes a clamping member that is movable from a retracted position to an advanced position to move the tool assembly from the open position to the clamped position.

In certain embodiments, the stabilizing member is coupled to the clamping member such that movement of the clamping member from the retracted position to the advanced position moves the stabilizing member from the first position to the second position.

In embodiments, the tool assembly defines a U-shaped channel portion and the stabilizing member is coupled to the clamping member by a link, wherein the link has a proximal portion that is coupled to the clamping member and a distal portion that is coupled to the stabilizing member and extends through the U-shaped channel, wherein distal movement of the clamping member from the retracted position to the advanced position causes proximal movement of the stabilizing member from the first position to the second position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical stapling device including a tool assembly stabilizing member or cap are described herein below with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the presently disclosed stapling device with a tool assembly in an open position and a stabilizing member or cap in an advanced position;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the tool assembly of the stapling device shown in FIG. 1 in the open position with the cap in the advanced position;

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 2A-2A of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the tool assembly of the stapling device shown in FIG. 2 in the clamped position with the cap in the advanced position;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the tool assembly of the stapling device shown in FIG. 3 in the clamped position with the cap in a retracted position;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the of a distal portion of a drive assembly of the tool assembly shown in FIG. 2 coupled to a pull wire of the tool assembly; and

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the tool assembly shown in FIG. 4 in the clamped position with the cap in a retracted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The presently disclosed surgical stapling device will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

In this description, the term “proximal” is used generally to refer to that portion of the device that is closer to a clinician, while the term “distal” is used generally to refer to that portion of the device that is farther from the clinician. In addition, the term “endoscopic” is used generally used to refer to endoscopic, laparoscopic, arthroscopic, and/or any other procedure conducted through small diameter incision or cannula. Further, the term “clinician” is used generally to refer to medical personnel including doctors, nurses, and support personnel.

Referring to FIG. 1, the presently disclosed surgical stapling device is shown generally as stapling device 10 and includes a handle assembly 12, an elongate body 14, and a stapler reload 16. The elongate body 14 defines a longitudinal axis “X” and includes a proximal portion that is coupled to the handle assembly 12 and a distal portion that supports the stapler reload 16. The stapler reload 16 includes a proximal body portion 18 and a tool assembly 20. The proximal body portion 18 is releasably coupled to the distal portion of the elongate body 14. Alternately, the stapler reload 16 and the elongate body 14 can be integrally formed such that the tool assembly 20 is fixedly attached to the elongate body 14.

The handle assembly 12 includes a housing 24 that defines a stationary handgrip 26 and supports a movable trigger 28 and a rotation knob 30. The rotation knob 30 is coupled to a distal portion of the housing 24 for rotation and supports the elongate body 14 such that rotation of the rotation knob 30 causes rotation of the elongate body 14 about the longitudinal axis “X”. The movable trigger 28 is supported by the housing 24 and can be pivoted in relation to the stationary handgrip 26 to actuate the tool assembly 20. In embodiments, the rotation knob 30 supports an articulation knob 34 that is can pivot about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis “X” to articulate the tool assembly 20 from a positioned aligned with the longitudinal axis “X” to a position misaligned with the longitudinal axis “X”. For a more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of components and operation of the handle assembly, the elongate body, and the stapler reload, see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,565,993 (“'993 patent”) and 8,931,683 (“'683 patent) which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Although illustrated as being a manually operated handle assembly 12, it is envisioned that the handle assembly 12 may be electrically or pneumatically powered, and may be adapted for use with a robotic surgical system.

Referring to FIG. 2, the tool assembly 20 includes a first jaw 34 and a second jaw 36 that is coupled to the first jaw 34 by a pivot member 38. Each of the first and second jaws 34, 36 includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The pivot member 38 couples the proximal portions of the first and second jaws, 34, 36, such that the first and the second jaws 34, 36 can pivot in relation to each other between an open position (FIG. 2) and a clamped position (FIG. 3). In embodiments, the first jaw 34 supports an anvil assembly 40 and the second jaw 36 supports a cartridge assembly 44 that includes a staple cartridge 46. The staple cartridge 46 defines a plurality of staple pockets 48 that receive staples (not shown). For a more detailed description of the anvil and cartridge assemblies, see the '993 patent.

Referring also to FIG. 2A, in embodiments, the first jaw 34 includes a distal portion that supports a stabilization member or cap 50 that is movable on the first jaw 34 between advanced and retracted positions. The stabilizing cap 50 defines a cavity 52 (FIG. 2A) receives the distal end of the second jaw 36 when the stabilization cap 50 is in its retracted position to prevent outward movement of the first jaw 34 in relation to the second jaw 36 beyond a predetermined distance to allow for a define a maximum tissue gap “G” (FIG. 4) between the first jaw 34 and second jaw 36 at a distal portion of the tool assembly 20 during firing of the stapling device 10.

In some embodiments, the stabilization cap 50 includes a longitudinal channel 56 that has an interlocking configuration (e.g., a dove-tail configuration) and a distal portion of the anvil assembly 40 includes a longitudinal extension 58 (FIG. 2) that has a configuration that corresponds to the configuration of the longitudinal channel 56 (e.g., a dove-tail configuration). The longitudinal extension 56 is received within the longitudinal channel 56 such that the stabilization cap 50 can move longitudinally in relation to the anvil assembly 40 between its advanced position (FIG. 2) and its retracted position (FIG. 3) but is radially fixed to the anvil assembly 40.

Referring also to FIGS. 2-4, the stabilization cap 50 includes a pair of guide members 60 (FIG. 2A) that extend into the cavity 52 defined by the stabilization cap 50. A distal portion of the staple cartridge 46 defines a pair of spaced guide channels 62. When the tool assembly 20 is in the clamped position, the guide members 60 of the stabilization cap 50 are aligned with the guide channels 62 in the staple cartridge 46. When stabilization cap 50 is moved from its advanced position to its retracted position, the guide members 60 are received within the guide channels 62 to fix the staple cartridge 46 in relation to the anvil assembly 40 and define the predetermined maximum tissue gap “G” (FIG. 4) adjacent the distal portion of the tool assembly 20. The stabilization cap 50 minimizes outward deflection of the anvil and cartridge assemblies 40, 44, respectively, in relation to each other that may result from forces generated during firing of staples from the tool assembly 20.

Referring also to FIG. 5, in embodiments, a first link 64 is attached to the stabilization cap 50 and extends proximally through the tool assembly 20. Although not shown, the first link 64 may extend through the tool assembly 20 and the elongate body 14 (FIG. 1) to the handle assembly 12 and be coupled to an actuator (not shown), such that the actuator can be operated to move the stabilization cap 50 between its retracted and advanced positions. Alternately, the first link 64 can be coupled to a drive assembly 68 (FIG. 5) of the tool assembly 20, as described in more below, to automatically move the stabilization cap 50 between its advanced and retracted positions upon movement of the tool assembly to the clamped position.

Referring also to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the drive assembly 68 of the tool assembly 20 includes a firing member 70 and clamping member 72. The firing member 70 includes spaced cam bars 76 that define an elongate slot 78 and an actuation sled 80. In embodiments, the cam bars 76 are coupled at their distal ends by the actuation sled 80. Alternately, the cam bars 76 can be separate from and positioned to abut the actuation sled 80. As known in the art, the cam bars 76 can be moved from a retracted position to an advanced position to advance the actuation sled 80 through the tool assembly 20 to eject staples (not shown) from the staple cartridge 46.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in embodiments, the clamping member 72 is releasably coupled to, e.g., pressed or frictionally retained between, the cam bars 76 and includes an upper beam 84 and a lower beam 86. The upper beam 84 is positioned within a cutout 90 (FIG. 6) defined in the anvil assembly 40 and is in engagement with cam surfaces 92 (FIG. 2) on the anvil assembly 40 such that movement of the clamping member 72 in the direction indicated by arrow “A” in FIG. 6 from a retracted position (FIG. 2) towards an advanced position (FIG. 3) moves the anvil assembly 44 towards the cartridge assembly 44 from the open position (FIG. 2) to the clamped position (FIG. 3). The lower beam 86 is positioned to engage and move along a bottom surface 45 (FIG. 4) of the cartridge assembly 44 to assist in moving the anvil assembly 34 to the clamped position.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in embodiments, the first link 64 is coupled to the clamping member 72 by a second link 96. The second link 96 includes a proximal portion 96 a that is coupled to the upper beam 84 of the clamping member 72 and a distal portion 96 b that is coupled to the first link 64. In embodiments, the distal portion 96 b of the second link 96 is received in a U-shaped channel portion 98 (FIG. 6) defined in the anvil assembly 40. When the proximal portion of the second link 96 moves distally in the direction indicated by arrow “B” in FIG. 6 in response to advancement of the clamping member 72 in the direction indicated by arrow “A”, the distal portion 96 b of the second link 96 which is redirected through the U-shaped channel portion 98 in the anvil assembly 40 moves proximally within the anvil assembly 40 in the direction indicated by arrow “C”. Since one end of the first link 64 is coupled to the distal portion 96 b of the second link 96 and the other end of the first link 64 is coupled to the stabilizing cap 50, movement of the clamping member 72 from the retracted position (FIG. 2) to the advanced position (FIG. 6) causes the stabilizing cap 50 to move in the direction indicated by arrows “D” in FIG. 6 from its advanced position (FIG. 3) to its retracted position.

Alternately, the U-shaped portion channel 98 could be defined in the cartridge assembly 44 or other mechanisms could be used to move the stabilizing cap 50 from its advanced position to its retracted position.

When the stapling device 10 is actuated to move the tool assembly 20 from the open position (FIG. 2) to the clamped position (FIG. 3), the firing member 70 is advanced. Advancement of the firing member 70 can be accomplished using a variety of different mechanisms. See, e.g., the '993 patent. When the firing member 70 is advanced, the clamping member 72, which is frictionally retained between the cam bars 76 of the firing member 70, is also advanced within the cutout 90 of the anvil assembly 40. As described above, movement of the clamping member 72 within the cutout 90 causes the upper beam 84 of the clamping member 72 to move along the cam surfaces 92 of the anvil assembly 40 to pivot the anvil assembly 40 in relation to the cartridge assembly 44 and move the tool assembly 40 to the clamped position. As the clamp member 72 moves within the cutout 92, the second link 96 is moved to move the stabilizing cap 50 to its retracted position. Thus, the stabilizing cap 50 is automatically moved to the retracted position in response to movement of the tool assembly 40 to the clamped position. As discussed above, it is envisioned that a separate actuator can be provided to move the stabilizing member 50 to the retracted position.

Referring to FIG. 6, in the clamped position, a distal end of the clamping member 72 is engaged with a stop portion 100 of the anvil assembly 40. The stop portion 100 defines a distal end of the cutout 90 and prevents further advancement of the clamping member 72. Thus, when the firing member 70 (FIG. 5) is advanced to fire staples from the staple cartridge 46 (FIG. 2), the stop portion 100 prevents further distal movement of the clamping member 72 and the firing member 70 moves independently of the clamping member 72 to eject staples from the staple cartridge 46. The stabilizing cap 50 secures the distal portions of the cartridge and anvil assemblies 40, 44, respectively, in fixed relation to each other to define a predetermined maximum tissue gap “G” (FIG. 4) between the cartridge and anvil assemblies 40, 44.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. It is envisioned that the elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and features of another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As well, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the disclosure based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A stapling device comprising; an elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a tool assembly supported on the distal portion of the elongate body, the tool assembly having a proximal portion and a distal portion and including an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly, the anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly having proximal portions coupled together such that the tool assembly is movable between an open position and a clamped position; and a stabilizing member supported on the distal portion of the tool assembly on one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies, the stabilizing member being movable when the tool assembly is in the clamped position from a first position disengaged with the other one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies to a second position engaged with the other one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies to define a predetermined maximum tissue gap between the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly.
 2. The stapling device of claim 1, wherein the stabilizing member includes a cap that is movable between the first and the second positions on the one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies.
 3. The stapling device of claim 2, wherein the cap defines a cavity that receives the other one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies when the cap is moved to the second position.
 4. The stapling device of claim 3, wherein the cap defines a channel and the one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies includes an extension that is received within the channel during movement of the cap between the first and second positions.
 5. The stapling device of claim 4, wherein the channel and the extension have dove-tail configurations.
 6. The stapling device of claim 4, wherein the cap includes guide members that extend into the cavity of the cap and the other one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies defines guide channels that receive the guide members as the cap is moved between the first and second positions to prevent radial movement of the cap in relation to the other one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies.
 7. The stapling device of claim 6, wherein the one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies is the anvil assembly and the other of the cartridge and anvil assemblies is the cartridge assembly.
 8. The stapling device of claim 1, further including a handle assembly, the elongate body being supported on and extending distally from the handle assembly.
 9. The stapling device of claim 1, wherein the tool assembly includes a clamping member, the clamping member being movable from a retracted position to an advanced position to move the tool assembly from the open position to the clamped position.
 10. The stapling device of claim 9, wherein the stabilizing member is coupled to the clamping member such that movement of the clamping member from the retracted position to the advanced position moves the stabilizing member from the first position to the second position.
 11. The stapling device of claim 10, wherein the tool assembly defines a U-shaped channel portion and the stabilizing member is coupled to the clamping member by a link, the link having a proximal portion that is coupled to the clamping member and a distal portion that extends through the U-shaped channel, wherein distal movement of the clamping member from the retracted position to the advanced position causes proximal movement of the stabilizing member from the first position to the second position.
 12. A tool assembly comprising: an anvil assembly having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a cartridge assembly having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion of the cartridge assembly being coupled to the proximal portion of the anvil assembly such that the tool assembly is movable between an open position and a clamped position; and a stabilizing member supported on the distal portion of one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies, the stabilizing member being movable when the tool assembly is in the clamped position from a first position disengaged with the other one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies to a second position engaged with the other one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies to define a predetermined maximum tissue gap between the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly.
 13. The stapling device of claim 12, wherein the stabilizing member includes a cap that is supported on the one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies and is movable between the first and the second positions.
 14. The stapling device of claim 13, wherein the cap defines a cavity that is dimensioned to receive the other of the cartridge and anvil assemblies when the cap is moved to the second position.
 15. The stapling device of claim 14, wherein the cap defines a channel and the one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies includes an extension that is received within the channel during movement of the cap between the first and second positions.
 16. The stapling device of claim 15, wherein the channel and the extension have dove-tail configurations.
 17. The stapling device of claim 16, wherein the cap includes guide members that extend into the cavity of the cap and the other one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies defines guide channels that receive the guide members as the cap is moved between the first and second positions to prevent radial movement of the cap in relation to the other one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies.
 18. The stapling device of claim 17, wherein the one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies is the anvil assembly and the other one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies is the cartridge assembly.
 19. The stapling device of claim 12, wherein the tool assembly includes a clamping member, the clamping member being movable from a retracted position to an advanced position to move the tool assembly from the open position to the clamped position, the stabilizing member being coupled to the clamping member such that movement of the clamping member from the retracted position to the advanced position moves the stabilizing member from the first position to the second position.
 20. The stapling device of claim 19, wherein the tool assembly defines a U-shaped channel portion and the stabilizing member is coupled to the clamping member by a link, the link having a proximal portion that is coupled to the clamping member and a distal portion that extends through the U-shaped channel and is coupled to the stabilizing member, wherein distal movement of the clamping member from the retracted position to the advanced position causes proximal movement of the stabilizing member from the first position to the second position. 